The programme is organised in accordance with Executive Order no. 338 of 6 May 2004 on bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes in universities. The programme is under the Natural Sciences Study Board.

Graduation confers the Danish degree BSc i Havebrugsvidenskab and the English title Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Horticulture.  

Chapter 1. The programme’s objective and competence profile

1.1 The programme’s objective

The Bachelor of Horticultural Sciences is a natural sciences programme dealing with all aspects of applied plant biology, using plant species covering the whole spectrum of plants used in horticulture. Although the horticultural sciences include topics ranging from plant biotechnology, breeding and production to economics, regulations and environmental impacts, no special lines are offered within the programme. The individual students instead build their own profiles after a solid basic education. English is used as a teaching language in recognition of the international perspective in all parts of the horticultural sector, thereby promoting job prospects while at the same time, where appropriate, facilitating the parallel acquisition of knowledge in Danish. The programme aims to educate graduates so that they:

• acquire knowledge and understanding of the importance of natural sciences in relation to all aspects of plant biology as well as a knowledge of social, economic and environmental sciences related to the origin, production and use of these plants
• are able to analyse and systematically solve problems within the horticultural industry, organisations and public administration as well as related areas, applying acquired knowledge as well as problem solving skills.

It is considered essential that a broad range of educational activities is given so that students are able to use their knowledge later. Learning is thus not directed towards an examination. Heavy emphasis is placed on social competence and problem solving skills in order to foster fast adaptability in graduates to changing demands in the job market.

These aims require a programme structure which is given in detail towards the end of this document.

1.2 The programme’s general profile

The BSc programme in Horticultural Sciences commences at the level of the whole plant, setting the natural growth cycle of plants within the perspective of the requirements of the horticultural industry and plant production. Students then move successively from the whole plant level down to the organ and then to the cellular level, setting plant anatomy, plant physiology, chemistry and genetics in relation to each other and to their role in the growth of whole plants. The basic knowledge package, taught in first year, concludes with mathematics and statistics.

During the second year, students then move back to the level of the whole plant and general horticulture, working with external growth factors such as soil, water, climate and nutrition, and with botany, plant protection and economics. A thematic course, that is a cross-disciplinary and project-oriented course, summarises the experience gained to date.

The third year consists largely of elective courses in which students can specialise as they wish. There is also a course in Theory of Science. The programme concludes with a thesis project.

1.3 The programme’s employment prospects

The programme is targeted primarily towards continuing at master’s level, which may be in Horticulture itself but, depending on the profile chosen via elective courses, may also be in related areas ranging from agriculture, agricultural development, landscape administration and design, environmental chemistry and biotechnology to forestry and general environmental sciences.

Graduates do not possess all the skills typical of an applied bachelor’s programme, but rather expertise in scientific analysis and problem solving. Potential jobs for graduates include:

• The research and development sector of industry
• Advisory services
• Trade
• Managing own businesses
• Public service and administration
• Teaching 

1.4 The programme’s competence profile

1.4.1 Competences within basic science

• An understanding of the basic principles and laws within natural science in general and applied plant science in particular, specifically within plant anatomy and physiology, genetics, botany, soil science and plant nutrition as well as basic interactions with pests and diseases and general ecology
• A basic understanding of mathematics, physics and chemistry in relation to the above fields as well as basic statistical data analysis
• A good general knowledge of the horticultural industry and its future challenges, including the basic economic relationships of players within the industry and managerial economics
• An understanding of how to critically analyse problems within natural science and horticulture
• An understanding of the potentials and limitations of natural science in relation to horticulture.

1.4.2 Competences within applied science

• The ability to critically analyse collected information and data
• The ability to compile information and present it orally or in writing using state of the art tools with regard to analysis and presentation of information
• The ability to use basic acquired knowledge to solve new problems
• The ability to understand and apply basic modelling tools to describe biological phenomena
• The ability to update current knowledge on basic horticulture (life-long learning)
• The ability to work efficiently as an individual or in teams 

1.4.3 Competences within ethics and values

• Respect for the need and use of knowledge in sustainable horticulture
• An understanding of the need for cooperation and respect for the democratic process
• An understanding of and respect for the ethical problems linked to the life sciences
• An awareness of the global role and responsibilities of horticulture
• An awareness of both traditional and non-traditional possibilities for continuing education.

The elective courses further support and extend the above competences as well as providing additional course-specific competences.

Chapter 2. Degree programme content

* A pass in one of the two courses is required

2.1 Content

The programme is set at 180 credits and consists of a first year with the basic module courses:

    250020      Introduction to Horticulture - 22.5 credits

    250032      Plant Physiology - 7.5 credits

    230012      The Chemistry of Life - 15 credits

    240017      Genetics 1 - 7.5 credits

    210011      Basic Statistics - 7.5 credits

The core module courses are in the second and third years and include:

    250018      External Growth Factors - 15 credits

    250029      Plant Diseases - 7.5 credits

    250056      Insects in Agricultural and Horticultural Crops - 7.5 credits

    240047      Ecology A - 15 credits

    290005      Business Economics of Forestry and Horticulture - 7.5 credits

    250055      Botany of Horticultural Plants - 7.5 credits

                    Theory of Science - 7.5 credits

The programme concludes with a 15-point bachelor’s project within its subject area. The core subjects in the programme are the basic module courses (60 credits), the core module courses (60 credits) and the bachelor’s project (15 credits). There are 45 elective credits.

The programme may include practical training, vocational school, trainee service and study trips.

2.2 The first year examination

The following courses are included in the first year examination:

    250020      Introduction to Horticulture - 22.5 credits

    250032      Plant Physiology - 7.5 credits